Ngwako Modjadji and Nawaal Deane
Confusion reigns among squatters in Bredel, Kempton Park, with many so-called “land invaders” uncertain of what action to take.
Most of the squatters have come in search of “promised land” without a clear idea of who owns it, but determined not to be evicted. Tensions are high and many promise that they will resort to force if they are evicted.
Peter (33) is unemployed and moved to the squatter camp two weeks ago. He refused to give his surname. “I heard that there is land here for everyone,” he says. He says he applied for an Reconstruction and Development Programmme house in 1996 but is tired of waiting.
“I don’t have anywhere to go if I am thrown off this land. I will not leave this place.”
William (33) was vocal on the problems facing many of the squatters. “Since the ANC-led government came into power, nothing has been done to help us get good houses.”
William has already paid R1 200 on rent for the plot he got from the Pan Africanist Congress after paying party officials R25. But has not yet received his land. Showing a number of receipts, he asks: “I have spent money already but who is going to pay me back if I am kicked off the land?”
He has not applied for land through any official channel, but says he has been looking for a house since 1994. “The government has not speeded up the process of building affordable houses.”
But while the media were interviewing William, a crowd of PAC supporters started calling him a “sell-out”. They screamed at him for speaking to the press, chanting, “We will kill you.” He was forced to run to prevent being beaten up by the crowd.
Vincent Nkosi (30) was initially afraid to speak about the situation at the camp. He accuses the PAC of cheap politicking. “I want my money back, nothing else.” He claims PAC members are threatening anyone in the camp if they speak to the media.
A group of women sporting PAC T-shirts interrupted the interview, saying she was told not to speak to the press.
Vusi Xaba (45) of Kempton Park, finds himself in a similar position with no place to stay. “I have already paid R25 for water, toilets and legal purposes.” Xaba, a carpenter, believes he owns the plot because he paid for it. He said he desperately needs land to build his own house because he has a wife and children.
Maria Makgoba braved the cold weather after she heard there is land available in Kempton Park. Makgoba, who is unemployed, says she has been looking for a place to live since 1970 and accuses the government of giving her a “raw a deal”.
“When the ANC came into power they promised us a good life, but they are taking away our money. How can we pay for houses when we are not working?”